Now, in a complete reversal, the gas lobby is trying to argue that the coalition policy “risks reducing domestic gas production and supply.”

Both claims are untrue.

It is a simple matter for a government to ensure additional gas is supplied to Australians by imposing a tax on exports, as Peter Dutton has proposed.

“Labor, Liberal, the Nationals, Greens, One Nation and Independents all rightfully agree that there is no gas shortage in Australia,” said Dr Richard Denniss, Executive Director at The Australia Institute.

“The gas industry has been deliberately diverting Australian gas away from Australian industry and households towards the export market to boost their profits.

“This is a simple problem to solve, and Peter Dutton has already proposed a simple solution that would work.

“Now that everyone agrees that there is no gas shortage, the gas industry is trying to muddy the waters by making policy solutions sound complicated while simultaneously making contradictory and absurd claims to mislead Australians during an election campaign.

“While it is good news that virtually all political parties agree that there is no gas shortage in Australia, the Labor government is yet to announce any new plans to ensure that Australian households and businesses are prioritised over export customers.”